President-elect Donald Trump has announced that the upcoming presidential inauguration ceremony will be moved indoors to the Capitol Rotunda due to forecasts of intense cold weather in Washington, D.C. Trump cited concerns for the safety of attendees, stating that the Arctic blast sweeping the country could lead to severe record lows.
This decision marks a significant departure from the original plan for a massive outdoor event on the National Mall, with more than 250,000 guests holding tickets to view the ceremony from various locations around the Capitol grounds. The move indoors will limit the number of ticketed guests who can attend in person, with alternative plans being devised to accommodate as many people as possible.
Outgoing President Joe Biden, members of Congress, and other dignitaries will be able to witness the swearing-in ceremony from inside the Capitol Rotunda. Trump also announced that some supporters will have the opportunity to watch the ceremony from Washington's Capital One Arena, where he plans to host a modified inaugural parade after the swearing-in.
The U.S. Secret Service, responsible for security planning, is working with organizers to adjust plans for the event in light of the scheduling changes. The National Weather Service is predicting temperatures around 22 degrees Fahrenheit at noon during the swearing-in, making it the coldest Inauguration Day since President Ronald Reagan's second term.
The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies has confirmed the relocation of the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies to the Capitol Rotunda in response to the President-elect's request. While acknowledging the disappointment of many ticketed guests who will no longer be able to attend in person, the committee encourages attendees to seek out indoor venues to watch the inauguration.
Despite the change in venue, other inaugural events, including a Sunday rally and three official inaugural balls on Monday night, are expected to proceed as scheduled. Trump's inaugural committee also announced that he will take the oath of office on a family Bible given to him by his mother, as well as the Bible used by President Abraham Lincoln at his first inauguration in 1861.
